Thailand has sought to reassure foreign diplomats pro-government protesters will not forcibly be removed from the streets of Bangkok.

A leader of the pro-government 'Red Shirt' movement was shot yesterday and a 60 day state of emergency is in force.

Ambassadors attended a briefing in the Thai capital, where they were assured the state of emergency will not involve the restriction of movement or the removal of protesters from Bangkok's central streets.

Foreign ministry permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow told the diplomats police will continue to lead the mission, with the military playing a secondary role.

"In no way shall there be the use of force and utmost restraint will continue to be the order of the day," he said.

Nine people have died and dozens have been wounded in violence since protesters took to the streets in November to demand Yingluck Shinawatra step down and a "people's council" be set up to bring sweeping reforms to South-East Asia's second-biggest economy.

Ms Yingluck has called an election for February 2, but the main opposition party is boycotting the vote.

The government issued the 60-day emergency decree late on Tuesday (local time), handing security agencies wide powers to detain suspects, impose a curfew and limit gatherings.

Mr Sihasak says a curfew will not be imposed at this stage, but he flagged tougher measures if the situation worsens.

"Naturally, if there are certain steps that need to be taken in light of any situation in the future I think we will ensure that it's done within the bounds of the law," he said.

Protest leader shot

The briefing comes in the wake of the shooting of a key leader of the pro-government Red Shirt movement outside his house in the country's north-east.

Kwanchai Praipana was shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting in his home town of Udon Thani.

His attackers have not been identified and he is being treated in hospital for a wounded arm and leg.

"From the way the assailants fired, they obviously didn't want him to live," his wife, Arporn Sarakham, told Reuters.